We recently visited the Efford Library to see the unveiling of their new community-inspired mural in the garden area. The mural is a result of a collaborative effort involving residents, Plymouth Community Builders, Plymouth Community Homes (PCH), and a talented local artist, Laura Hole, who just happens to work at the library.
We met with Emily Richards from Plymouth Community Builders, who played a key role in the collaboration, initially hosting a consultation with the community to identify what they would like to see in the library garden space. With a high number of residents attending and some excellent ideas, it was clear the residents desired lots of colour, wildlife and nature-inspired themes - a perfect reading nook to relax and read.
With a successful consultation behind them, the reading nook was decided on. Laura, a library staff member and talented self-employed artist, was the perfect fit to produce an eye-catching mural for the space, having already done artwork for the library.
This required some funding, so they reached out to Rheinallt Huws, Communities Worker at Plymouth Community Homes who managed to organise the funding support from PCH.
With the funding now secured, Rheinallt Huws suggested a second consultation with residents; to pinpoint the designs and theme they wanted to see on the mural. Emily Richards mentioned the large amount of engagement and uptake from the community getting involved in these sessions.
With some fantastic design ideas from residents, Laura used her creative expertise to merge several sketches and concepts into one mesmerising piece. These prominent features can be seen in the final mural design, including trees, wildlife, piglets and an array of book themed accessories. Being a library staff member, it was clear her passion for reading carried through to her artistry, perfectly fitting the environment and theme of the library.
Emily Richards, Plymouth Community Builders said:
“I am really happy how it’s turned out; it has transformed the garden just in for time for summer and the upcoming reading challenge.
It’s been great to collaborate with the library and Plymouth Community Homes and a big big thank you to the community for being so engaged.
Thank you to Laura for her creative talent and for transforming the garden”
Laura Hole shared some details on the project:
“For a long time, the garden at Efford Library has looked a little sad and forgotten, but with the help of some AMAZING volunteers the garden is looking full of hope and a lot more polished.
I was very excited to be asked to paint a mural in the garden, given that I work professionally as an illustrator, and I also work in the library itself. It felt fitting to be able to marry my two passions together to create something that will give joy to the local community for many years to come.
It was so lovely to see the local children’s design ideas for the garden and to create a design themed around some of their incredible sketches. I very much hope that I have done justice to their creativity and painted something that represents the community, the library itself and the power of stories.
Thank you to Emily, our wonderful community builder, and to Ryan and the team at PCH for helping all of this come together. I very much look forward to seeing the garden used to its full potential.”
Want to get involved?
Check out the Summer Reading Challenge, a fun-packed way to keep children reading and learning all summer. Children will explore creativity, storytelling, and the magic of books through exciting activities and adventures with Plymouth Libraries.
Aimed at ages 4 to 11 years, the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, Story Garden encourages children to read 6 (or more) library books (including eBooks and eAudiobooks) during the summer holidays.
Every child that completes the challenge receives a medal and a certificate and will also be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a bundle of creative prizes.
https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/summer-reading-challenge
The library is looking for volunteers this summer, to cover basic garden jobs.
If you are interested, please get in touch with the Efford Library.
Check out Laura’s work here.
